My newest creation!

I was hoping to post more often, but it's been three months since I last wrote- yikes! I'll work on it- I am pretty busy these days. In September I started a full-time program in massage therapy. When I'm not studying or in class, I'm working at my job as a barista, or (hopefully)...sleeping.

This Fall, I did manage to take another metalsmithing class. I made two pairs of earrings and a ring. The earrings pictured are my first attempt and I am very happy with how they came out. To make them, I sketched my design onto a sheet of sterling silver, then used a jeweler's saw to cut out the tree and the teardrop shape. I used ultra-fine sandpaper to smooth the inside edges, then I used a wooden hammer and a block to gently form the curved shape. I soldered jumprings on and polished them to a satin finish.

It's funny how artistic endeavors don't always turn out the way you planned- in this case, I wasn't anticipating the negative spaces carved by the trees to open up when I hammered the earrings, but I like the way it looks. Surprises are a good thing, at least in terms of art. I will have pictures of my other creations up soon... hopefully sometime before March! I hope you all have a peaceful and happy holiday season :)